Collection days

Your collection day will be highlighted on your new collection calendar which you will receive in early 2019. You will also be able to view your calendar online.

We are also making it easier to never miss bin day with the introduction of smart phone/tablet calendar alerts. You can download your current collection calendar straight to your smart phone/table now:

Each week, your collection day will be the same - only the bin type will change.

For example, if your collection day was Monday:

week 1 (Monday) - grey

week 2 (Monday) - blue

week 3 (Monday) - purple

Your brown bin collection will still be collected every fortnight.

Why are we changing?

We are committed to improving our environment.

We are signed up to the Scottish Government’s Household Recycling Charter and associated Code of Practice. This aims to maximise the amount and quality of the material we collect for recycling.

The Scottish Government has set recycling targets of:

60% by 2020

70% by 2025

We must work together with our residents to do even more when it comes to recycling and achieve these targets.

In North Ayrshire, over 55% of waste is currently recycled.

However, our studies have shown that around 71% of the contents in the average grey bin could be recycled or composted, but is instead sent for final disposal.

This shows that there is significant room for improvement.

A review of our current recycling bin (blue bin) showed that a twin bin recycling system could:

reduce instances of contamination (when non-recyclable material is placed within a recycling bin)

increase the amount of material we recycle

With the introduction of the purple bin, we are providing our residents with additional recycling capacity. This will allow us to divert recyclable items from the grey bin into either the blue, purple or brown bins.

Please note: Currently, the Scottish Government’s Household Recycling Charter and associated Code of Practice does not apply to business waste.

What happens next?

The average household type should have sufficient space for an additional bin.

However, we will deliver two learning projects. These will consider households in which space and storage for additional bins may be an issue.

This will include:

high density housing

flats

The aim is to identify if communal bins could help to:

relieve these issues

improve the overall appearance of the location

A survey has been conducted and we will contact any identified households to discuss and advise of alternative arrangements.

From July 2018, we will roll out a trial communal bin collection service across 5 small flatted areas. This reduces the footprint required and has the aim of improving the visual amenity.

We also plan to conduct a pilot on the use of underground waste storage systems at a suitable new Council housing development during 2020/21.

Further updates

Prior to the introduction of the new bin and collection service, we will be issuing information to all households on the mainland and Cumbrae which will include:

why we are making these changes

when to expect your new bin

your new collection calendar

how to use each bin correctly

frequently asked questions

For more information on the changes the Waste Awareness Team are holding a series of roadshows throughout North Ayrshire over the coming months. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns.